Dear Lesley: calcium depletion

Dear Lesley,

I have been put on a medication that interferes with the amount of calcium in my body. I don’t really like drinking plain milk at all. What can I eat to keep the calcium up? – TRISH

Dear trish,

You mentioned drinking milk only, as a result I am not sure if you were informed to increase your intake of dairy or if you assumed dairy is the only source of calcium. Did your doctor provide a list of instructions regarding which foods you should or should not eat while taking the prescribed medication?

Here is some general information about calcium containing foods and how to support the absorption of calcium. Review this information and discuss it with your doctor to see if it will aid in meeting your needs.


Calcium containing foods include:
• Almonds
• Cheese
• Chia
• Leafy greens such as collards, kale, bok choy, and spinach
• Fortified items such as bread, cereal, and orange juice
• Fruits such as figs, oranges, and papaya
• Winter squash – which just so happens to be in season
• Yogurt

To assist with the absorption of calcium, your body also needs vitamin D. Eat vitamin D containing foods such as portabella mushrooms, salmon, canned tuna, and fortified foods and get sun exposure at least three times a week if you can.

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